Week #34 - Take a Risk!

[Cheryl]

Hi Everyone,

As the summer comes to an end :(, it's time to have a little fun. How about taking a risk? Is there something you've been wanting to do for a while but have been too afraid to try? Take a risk this week and tell us what you did.

Remember, the outcome of taking the risk is less important than taking it!

Love,
Cheryl

[massagewithjoy]

I have been trying to psych myself up for a karaoke contest that has a prize of 4k. I am in desperate need of money right now and I have been really nervous about doing this and am so afraid of stage fright. I have a really amazing voice when I am alone in my house singing or up on a stage as another character. I am so afraid of this venue but I know that if I could get past that fear and let go I could blow em away but then I get out there and it is a whole different world. I really need to win this contest and losing is not an option. Yet I know that this puts even more pressure on me. I really need some support but don't really have any around. What to do!
Joy

[Cheryl]

Hi Joy,

When I read your post I had two suggestions. First, if you have Michael's book "The Mind-Body Makeover Project," go to chapter 7, the one on energy blocks and use the general anxiety treatment for your fear. It's simple and very powerful. The tapping therapy is used often for stage fright. If you don't have the book, it's worth a trip to your library. Bring a pad and paper and copy down the treatment sequence.

Second, embrace your fear. Rather than try to get rid of it or push it away (which only gives it tremendous power), say to yourself:

even though I have this fear I deeply and completely accept all of my feelings

even though I feel enormous pressure to win this contest and it makes me feel powerless, I deeply and completely accept all of these feelings

Repeat these phrases each time you start to feel afraid or anxious at least 3 or 4 times and it should help. This isn't woo-woo stuff (although it sounds pretty strange), it's based on science and the energy system of the body. Check out www.emofree.com for even more great info.

Good luck!

Cheryl

[Donna M.]

Joy,

Have you read Cheryl's newsletter that came via email today? You can access it on this website in case you don't subscribe.

It's about risk taking and her Take Action Challenge is to do something, take a risk, you've been wanting to take without over thinking, over planning...just do it. From the newsletter, "Yes, in taking a risk you may get rejected. But, what's the alternative?
A mediocre life that comes from playing it safe."

Sounds to me like this newsletter's topic was meant for you. Remember...there are no coincidences.

I attended Cheryl's retreat in June, and the support I received from like-minded people I didn't know was truly amazing, nothing less than divine. Get quiet and allow yourself to feel the support and love you deserve. We're all behind you - the power of community makes all thing possible.

Donna

[Camilla]

Hi Joy,
Sounds like a fun challenge! One thing that I try to do when facing challenges with anxiety is to see whatever it is I am going to do as a mean to another goal. That is, if you look at singing at the contest more as one of many other ways of enhancing your self-esteem or something else that you need, it takes the edge of it a little. I wish you the best of luck! Go get them girl!

Best regards,
Camilla / Sweden

[massagewithjoy]

Thanks so much Chery, Donna and Camilla,
Wish I had got this post in time to get to the library and learn those techniques. The Contest is in a couple of hours. So what I did was print out all of you responses and I am bringing them with me. It is a 4 week contest so I have to get through all 4 weeks to win. I am going to read your responses over and over again tonight and keep them in my pocket for good luck and energy. Thanks so much for posting your replies. It means the world to me. I have been through more in the past year then most people go through in a lifetime and the couple of xtra minutes you took out of your busy schedules means the world to me! Thanks again and I will keep you posted!
Love and Peace!
Joy

[Jax]

A few years ago, I was miserable - not a single thing seemed right so, feeling I had nothing to loose, I started taking risks. I was in a job that I hated going to every day. A friend kept asking me to transfer to her office. I figured it wouldn't hurt to, at least, put my name in the hat. Two weeks later I was in a job that I love going to and look forward to going to each morning.

I was in a relationship that was tearing me apart - on the brink of ulcers. So, I left. I am not currently in a relationship but, I am feeling healthier and happier from learning how to take care of myself and doing what is best for me.

I have been hesitant for years to buy a home. Once again, I took a risk and went for it. The condo was the very first one I looked at and the entire deal went through effortlessly. I moved into the place I've been dreaming of for over 20 years last week!

I think taking risks is growing on me. When you see that it works, you just can't stop. Even the one's that don't work out teach you something. I feel much stronger and happier.

[massagewithjoy]

Well I took the risk and I was glad I did. I made it to the next round even though I felt I did far from my best and I have to thank everyone again for responding so quickly. Now I can practice and do even better next time around. It encouraged me to keep on keeping on with the firm belief and constant assurance that no matter what happens I can handle it and so can you! The cycle keeps turning and I am sure that your good thought will come back at you 3 fold!
Blessings and Peace!
Joy

[Donna M.]

Joy,

WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations for facing your fear head on and succeeding. You must be so proud of yourself, as well you should be. Good luck the rest of the way, and even if you don't win this particular contest, you've already won in a big way.

Congratulations again...walk with your head held high and enjoy the success.

Donna

[massagewithjoy]

THANKS FOR YOUR POST DONNA AND YOUR SUPPORT AGAIN!!! I DO FEEL GOOD THAT I DID IT~!
PEACE AND LOVE,
JOY!